The Wolfpacker Show: Virginia Tech win catapults NC State into rivalry week
NC State football continued to roll through the final third of its schedule with a 35-28 victory over Virginia Tech last weekend. The Wolfpack’s momentum slowed toward the end of the contest, but it held off the Hokies long enough to finish its road trip with a win.
Following four consecutive victories, NC State carries a ton of positive energy into its regular-season finale. North Carolina will travel to Raleigh for a rivalry week showdown between the Pack and the Tar Heels. Both squads are 8-3 overall.
The Pack is ranked for the first time this year, checking in at No. 24 in the USA Today coaches poll. Graduate quarterback Brennan Armstrong is 2-0 since returning to the starting lineup, and freshman wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion has continued his elite play with a steadily improving offense.
After thinking over NC State’s latest victory, Ethan McDowell and Noah Fleischman sat down to recap the win on The Wolfpacker Show.
During Monday’s episode, the hosts discussed:
*** Their initial thoughts on the game, complimenting Armstrong and the overall team’s offensive performance. Noah pointed out that the Pack’s five consecutive touchdowns might have been the best stretch of the season for that unit. Virginia Tech was a loud road environment, but NC State did not waver. Both hosts pointed out the program’s composure away from home and discussed the Pack’s 4-1 road record.
*** They broke down the Wolfpack’s offensive improvement and talked about an overall solid defensive showing that included a couple of explosive-play touchdowns.
*** Noah and Ethan also shared their respective turning points of the game. They each selected key touchdowns in the second quarter. Ethan picked the score that extended the Pack’s lead to 21-7 going into halftime. Virginia Tech scored on a one-play drive the possession prior, which made NC State’s methodical, 4:08 drive extremely important.
*** After a quick break, the hosts handed out some game balls, recognizing some inventive play calling by offensive coordinator Robert Anae, an impressive performance in a new role from freshman defensive lineman Isaiah Shirley and graduate linebacker Payton Wilson’s 3.5 tackles for loss.
*** To wrap up the show, Noah and Ethan started to look toward NC State’s rivalry matchup with North Carolina. The Pack leapfrogged UNC in the ACC standings after the Tar Heels lost to Clemson last week. This game has significant implications for each team’s bowl future, setting up for another thrilling matchup in front of a sold-out crowd at Carter-Finley Stadium.
All of those topics and more are discussed on Monday’s show, which is available in audio and video on TheWolfpacker.com’s YouTube channel.
